Clare236

Hi all! As a recent graduate of YDS this past May, I'd just like to affirm that YDS is a really good place - more than just a big name! - where one can find both more theologically/socially conservative and liberal scholars. Although I do agree with Jufarius that the biblical studies historical critical methodology can be hard for students' faith journeys , it seems to me this is a critique of historical-critical methodology (which just doesn't take up theological question of what it means for a text to be scripture) ... and not so much a problem with Yale in particular. Most divinity schools still teach historical-critical method as the bread and butter of exegesis, though perhaps some have moved into literary criticism quicker than YDS. As for the 'big name,' I really appreciate having studying at Yale and not just because of the name-recognition. Sure, it helps to have studied at a famous university and especially when dealing with international scholars who have heard of Harvard and Yale but not the smaller schools. But more importantly, Yale offered wonderful resources that I couldn't have had at most other places. YDS students can take courses downtown, and take advantage of all the institutes and centers that are part of campus, and I got to go on some amazing international trips to visit with seminaries in other parts of the world thanks to both the Div School and funding from various departments downtown. Although I'm doing my doctorate now at a great research university, it doesn't have the reach or the resources that Yale did, so I have to admit I miss that a lot! Finally, I think Divinity School is the perfect place to explore and figure out one's vocation. I did an MDiv and for the whole three years dithered between pursuing ministry or academia, but that was okay... I graduated situated well-enough to do either, and though I am now doing doctoral work, I still keep a finger in college chaplaincy etc. Although I probably would have been regarded as more on the conservative end of things theologically and ideologically, and felt lonely sometimes, I generally had a good time and found friends in who were genuinely interested in my well-being and growth and ideas. Sure, life might have been difficult if I had made my true thoughts known all the time... but honestly I didn't feel that threatened by the liberal bent at YDS and was fine letting people say what they said and pursing my faith and sharing it as I felt comfortable, not hiding but not inviting antagonism either. So, while I want to affirm Jufarius' warning -yes, indeed divinity school can be a hard and isolating place - it really is what you make of it, and I think Yale is as good a place as any to explore.